Everyone wants healthy, shiny, and strong hair. However, sometimes we damage our hair without even realizing it. Many daily routines can harm our hair, leading to breakage, split ends, dullness, and hair fall.

Here are ten such habits that damage our hair, and ways to avoid them.

1. Overwashing

Washing your hair too frequently strips away the natural oils from your scalp, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. It also causes your scalp to produce more oil to make up for the loss, making your hair greasy and grimy.

Stick to washing your hair every other day, or every three days, depending on your hair type.

2. Heat Styling

Blow-drying, straightening, and curling your hair using heat tools can cause severe damage to your hair. The excessive heat can dry out your hair, making it brittle and more likely to break.

If you must use heat tools, use a heat protectant spray or serum, set the temperature to a lower setting, and avoid using them every day.

3. Tight Hairstyles

Wearing tight hairstyles, such as braids, ponytails, or buns, can pull on your hair, causing friction and breakage. While these styles may look great, they can cause severe damage to your hairline and make your hair weak and fragile.

Opt for looser styles or use hair accessories that don’t tug on your hair.

4. Rough Towel Drying

After showering, many people vigorously rub their hair dry with a towel. This rough treatment can cause the hair cuticles to break, leading to frizz and damage.

Instead of rubbing your hair, gently squeeze the water out with a microfiber towel or an old shirt.

5. Sleeping With Wet Hair

If you go to bed with wet hair, the friction between your hair and the pillow can cause breakage and frizziness. It can also create a warm and moist environment that breeds bacteria and fungi, leading to scalp infections.

Allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer on a low setting before going to bed.

6. Skipping Conditioner

Conditioning your hair is essential to keep it soft, moisturized, and free of tangles. Skipping conditioner can make your hair dry, brittle, and prone to damage.

Apply conditioner generously, especially to the ends of your hair, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

7. Using Harsh Products

Many shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, which can strip away the natural oils from your hair and dry it out.

Opt for gentle and natural products that are free of harmful chemicals.

8. Overbrushing

Brushing your hair too often and too vigorously can cause breakage and damage. It can also lead to hair fall, especially if you have weak or thin hair.

Use a brush with soft bristles, start from the ends, and work your way up to the roots, gently detangling your hair.

9. Sun Exposure

UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your hair, making it dry, brittle, and discolored. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat, covering it with a scarf, or using a hair product with SPF.

10. Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments, such as hair coloring, perming, or relaxing, can damage your hair in several ways. They can break the hair shaft, weaken the hair structure, and cause dryness and brittleness.

If you must undergo a chemical treatment, do it sparingly, and make sure to take good care of your hair before and after the procedure.

Conclusion

Our hair is an essential part of our appearance and self-esteem. Taking care of it should be a top priority. By avoiding these ten damaging daily routines, you can keep your hair healthy, shiny, and strong.